Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Yaw Buabeng Asamoah, has justified the decision by some armed men to storm the house of the National Democratic Congress candidate for the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election leading to firing of gunshots.
Some heavily armed masked men invaded Delali Kwasi Brempong’s house behind the La Bawaleshie Presbyterian Basic 1 School which was serving as a polling centre in the by-election.
Persons in the storey-building were said to have been ordered down and before they could comply, the armed men started shooting, injuring at least six persons who are currently receiving medical attention.
The incident, which happened just about two hours into voting, triggered chaotic scene at the polling centre and caused the NDC to pull out of the by-election for the safety of the party agents.
NDC chairman at a news conference later condemned “the acts of atrocities, intimidation and attacks” stating it was targeted at their supporters, and party officials deployed to the constituency to monitor and observe the election.
For him and the NDC, the incident is a clear indication that Ghana’s democracy is under attack, and urged the President, the national peace council and the diplomatic community to speak on the matter.
But addressing a news conference Thursday, the NPP claimed the ‘security personnel’ were at Mr. Brempong’s resident because they had information that the NDC had transported some vigilante groups into the area.
“The NDC candidate in this election had apparently and allegedly imported thugs of Azorka Boys and Hawks and bused them all the way from Tamale into the constituency and lodged them close to his residence in Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency” Yaw Buabeng Asamoah claimed.
He added: “Upon notification to the security, because of the suspicious activity in the area and the sudden influx of strangers in the area, people in the area were naturally worried.
“We have gleaned that the security forces when attempting to investigate the issues, were fired upon. They were fired upon, and so there were counter shots,” Mr Buabeng Asamoah explained.
In his view, the issue has been blown out of proportion by the NDC to create fear and panic and also tarnish the image of Ghana internationally.
Notwithstanding, Mr. Buabeng Asamoah condemned the shooting incident and called for calm to ensure peace prevails for the election.
By Irene Amesimeku| 3news.com| Ghana